10 Best counter depth refrigerators 2018: buying guide (Refreshed)

Welcome to my blog. My name is James Galea and I'm the author behind theunbiasedreviews.com

I wrote these FREE guides to help anyone- from new home owners to house re-modelers- select the best appliance for their home.

So far, I have helped over 300 readers in buying a new appliance.

I hope you would agree with me when I say that-

"Finding the best counter depth refrigerator for your home is confusing".

And to help you with that and make the whole process easier, I have built a list of few best french door, side by side, top freezer and bottom freezer counter depth refrigerators for your kitchen cabinet.

If you are looking for reliability Amana is my very first , but those refrigerators are really hard to find and don't have much advanced feature. Sub-Zero is my other preference if there isn't a budget to hold you back. KitchenAid, Frigidaire, GE and Fisher-Paykel are other good brands for cabinet depth refrigerators.

The thing is that all refrigerators have a specific lifeline and manufacturers try to design it specifically to push that breakdown period. You can take some actions to improve your appliance's life (Always keep the coils clean; accumulated dirt affects output performance . And don't forget to use surge protection along with your refrigerators. Voltage spikes can fault your refrigerator internally and make it hard to repair.)

This guide will help you know how to buy a good-quality counter depth refrigerator. I have added info on fridge configuration, measuring dimensions and a few handpicked counter depth refrigerators.

​But Before we get start with the ​unbiased reviews for top 10 ​Best Counter depth refrigerators, here is a quick list for those who are short on time-

What is Counter depth refrigerator?

Image showing a french door counter depth refrigerator in a kitchen

A Counter depth fridge is a shallow refrigerator with standard box (cabinet) of depth 24-26 inches, which could extend to 30 inches and more after adding door, backsplash and handles. But most of the counter depth units have a cabinet depth of 24 inches.

Unlike regular refrigerator, a counter-depth won't be obtruding excessively out of your cabinet and will give your kitchen a high end look.

Counter depth refrigerators help you save the kitchen space, make it look fancier and are indeed the best alternative to highly expensive built-in refrigerators. If you want to know more about cabinet depth refrigerators, read my Counter Depth Refrigerator information guide.

​Different types of Counter Depth Refrigerator-

Refrigerators are differentiated based on the cabinet depth, compartment width and the freezer position. Freezer location is the main point for differentiation. There are five types of refrigerator styles to choose from. However, classic single door configuration is less common and bought by very few people.

Top Freezer- Top freezer counter depth refrigerators have the freezer on the top and fridge below it. Top mounts are the most budget-friendly refrigerators. You can go for this style if you have small space and limited budget. However, you would need to bend a bit for using the refrigerator part.

Bottom freezer- Freezer is present at the bottom and separated by an additional door. Bottom freezer configuration has spacious refrigerator compartments. Compressors are more energy efficient. The refrigerator is there at the top, which helps in storing snacks and quick food items.

French door- French door counter depth refrigerators are more popular than other configurations. French door configuration is a duo of side-by-side and bottom freezer. Three different doors help reduce the fridge air escape and improve energy output.

Side-by-side- This configuration has two different doors. Freezer is usually present on the left side. Side-by-side refrigerator allows easy accessibility to the freezer area and requires less door swing.

Single door- Single door refrigerators are comparatively less popular. This is because of split doors are absent and features are limited. You might need an additional freezer as the single door freezer compartment has lesser storing space.

​Counter depth refrigerator dimensions-

Dimensions of a counter depth refrigerator are measured differently than regular refrigerators, This is because you have to take in consideration the depth of your cabinet, measure the width precisely and make sure the height is right. Be careful, with the measurement of counter depth refrigerator.

Depth- Default counter refrigerator depth is 24 inches, but the additional backspace, doors, handles and cabinet space could extend it to as long as 30 inches. So, 24’’ is basically the depth for the box of refrigerator (or cabinet depth). The basic depth could be 25" and even 26" based on appliance manufacturing standards.

Width- Counter depth fridges comes in three different width- 30, 33 and 36 inches. Most of the people want a 36 inches unit. second most preferred is 33". But I have rarely seen a 30 inch option, even in my own store.

Height- Height may vary based on the counter depth refrigerator manufacturers. Different counter depth models have different height (could be as big as 72’’). Make sure to properly measure the cabinet height for allowing it to fit in.

Important: I would recommend you to leave one inch distance at the top and two inch space at the back side of your refrigerator cabinet. Also, leave 1/8 inches on both side of refrigerator to make sure it fits perfectly fine and can be easily removed. Leaving space in the back area improves the compressor performance by increasing input-output flow. Read my measurement guide for counter depth refrigerator dimensions

​How much does a counter depth refrigerator costs?

A regular counter depth fridge could cost you anywhere between $1000-4000 based on the number of features, brand reliability and your shipping location. For instance, a good quality Summit refrigerator will cost you around thousand bucks, but a Samsung family hub with advance features could move your budget to four thousand dollars. The bottom line is, when it comes to kitchen appliances, you will get what you pay for, I digress 😉 Just to get you an idea for how much would a counter fridge cost you; see this listing.

That being said, a professional counter depth refrigerator is 2-3 times more expensive than a regular counter depth unit.

​10 of the Best Counter depth refrigerators​ reviewed-

Now that you know about the quick info to help you buy the best counter depth refrigerator, Lets get started with the Unbiased Reviews for each of the above listed fridges.

Sub-zero is one of the most reliable brands for professional counter depth refrigerators. If your budget is high, then Sub-Zero is certainly the best choice. Built-in counter depth fridges are great alternative to costlier integrated models.

BI36UFD doesn’t have loads of features like the one you would find in Samsung and GE fridges. However, you can always expect a more extended lifeline from Sub-Zero fridges. This refrigerator is available in 36” and 42” configuration.

Freezer temperature is precise and works actively. Sub-Zero has dual refrigeration which helps maintain the ideal temperature for keeping the food fresh and freezer chill. NASA-Inspired air purifier helps boost the freshness of refrigerator content.

Exterior water and ice dispenser are both absent, and the fridge is not energy star rated, but still works efficiently. Interior water dispenser is robust, and you will definitely like the spacious refrigerator compartments. You can get BI36UFD in panel ready or stainless steel design. Digital controls of this refrigerator are also easy to use.

There are three glass shelves, but you can't pull them out. Crisper drawers will save the food from spoiling. The auto-defrost system makes sure your ice-maker remains frost free. Bottom-line? Buy this fridge if you want a built-in counter depth that offers above-average features and stays with you for a long time.

2. GE GWE19JSLSS - Best 33'' French Door Counter Depth Refrigerator

GE GEW19JSLSS is my new addition to this list. Like most of the GE units, it has an internal water dispenser with one touch technology to keep drinking water at your fingertips.

If you are worried that an internal dispenser will need you to open the door multiple times and hence waste the energy, consider getting an additional water chiller. They have TurboCool setting which drops the temperature more rapidly and boosts the cooling efficiency when there is frequent door opening. It also gets triggered when a hot item is stored inside. This technology basically activates the compressor and speed up the fans when the internal temperature changes.

This 33” counter depth refrigerator is a simple unit and you won’t find those fancy features which are there in Samsung hub. However, it’s a reliable model with factory integrated ice maker and water filtration system. Ice maker of GWE19JSLSS is a bit noisy as compared to other models, but the functioning is good.

Talking about the interior, there are 4 split adjustable (spill proof) shelves and two humidity control drawers for storing fresh fruits. A Full-width pantry drawer has adjustable temperature for storing pizzas or other items. Pantry drawer temperature is more precise than other segments. Door storage has six door gallon bins (adjustable) and two fixed door bins.

LED light has ideal brightness so it doesn’t look too sharp. You don’t need to worry about door closing as there is a door alarm and automatic door stop system. They made this machine simple and powerful without compromising the regular features of refrigerator.

Freezer has a full-width basket, and an extendable basket for organizing food content properly. Cooling is effective in both the refrigerator as well as freezer section. However, the capacity is a bit lower than other cabinet depth refrigerator in our list. Total capacity of this french door counter depth refrigerator is 18 cubic feet with 5 cubic feet freezer.

​3. Samsung RF23J9011SR 4door- With a Convenient Flex Zone

​​Samsung certainly set this unit apart from the rest by making such a bold move. When you realize just why they did this you will be in for even more surprise. They did it to accommodate a "flex zone."

The unique "flex zone" space behind the door on the bottom right can be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer. This means that you can alternate between more fresh goods in the summer and more frozen goods in the winter. Have a 3/4 fridge, 1/4 freezer or a 1/2 fridge, 1/2 freezer combo. You can even use that "flex zone" for special things (like white wine) which need to be at a temperature different from regular refrigerated goods.

It also has other great features you should consider when making your purchase. For example, its "ice master" ice maker actually makes its own ice instead of simply dispensing pre-cubed ice like many of the other refrigerators out there. It is also directly hooked into your water supply so that it does all the work of creating ice for you and with no effort on your part.

Want fresh water? The water line also hooks into a water dispenser for even more convenience at your fingertips. A special filtration system has also been installed into the fridge's door to make that water as clean as possible.

Samsung RF22K9581SG is a fully-featured counter depth fridge with well designed stainless steel exterior, but it's also one of the most expensive refrigerators. However, if you have a reasonable budget, you would be having the most advanced refrigerator of all time.

This 4-door counter depth refrigerator has a fridge space of around 13.2 cubic feet. The lower compartment has two side by side freezers with two drawers and one shelf in each of them. Interestingly, you can turn the right freezer into a refrigerator (thanks to the flex zone technology) for storing fresh fruits, vegetables, and wines. Door shelves are not adjustable, but refrigerator shelves are adjustable.

Talking about the tech integration- there is a camera in the interior with direct connectivity to the LCD screen on the right door. It takes an image of what’s inside every time you close the fridge door. This feature helps track the food expiration date using drag n drop countdown timer on the screen.

Also, after connecting it to Samsung mobile app, you can know the inside content on your mobile phone. Temperature control is much more precise via the fridge managing app; you can accurately change the fridge-environment-settings. Ice dispenser and Ice maker both are present.

The 21.5 inch LCD screen is highly responsive has a smooth touch and a few apps for different useful features. There are many apps like ‘Whiteboard’ for drawing or writing quick notes.

You can organize photos, add shared family fridge calendar, open recipes, stream music, order groceries and put on a timer for chilling beer. That said, SmartThings is absent, so you won’t be able to connect another device to your fridge. However, this feature would be there in Samsung family hub 3.0 as told in CES 2018. RF22K9581SG is a clean refrigerator that will make your kitchen look elegant. Nevertheless, you would be missing the temperature controller in the drawer section.

Cameras in the interior help know the expiration date for packaged food​

Cons:

The expense is almost double the other counter depths

Voice control integration is missing

Issues with digital screen connectivity

5. GE Profile PYE22PSKSS- Brew Coffee from your Fridge

​​​​​​​​​​​Let's get right into the thick of it - this GE refrigerator can actually brew coffee for you!

While many others try to set themselves apart with ice makers and water dispensers this one takes things a step further by incorporating a Keurig coffee maker. Don't worry, though, this hasn't replaced the ice and water dispenser, it has simply been added to it. GE profile refrigerator has some of the most advanced features which makes it the best french counter depth refrigerator out there .

You can get fresh water and ice with the touch of a button. Only now, you can also get fresh coffee with the touch of a button. Never worry about filling your coffee maker with water again. The direct-line system brings water into the refrigerator for the purposes of making coffee, ice, and simply providing you with a cool glass of water.

Using the same control panel you will use to select your coffee brew size and to demand ice from the ice maker, you can control various other aspects of this refrigerator. The touch of a button can turn lights on and off. Select the refrigerator or the freezer buttons to adjust the temperatures set in either of those locations. To keep things sleek, classy and uncompromised, the numbers and readouts you will use to make these adjustments are only visible once you've engaged the system.

Smart temperature zones inside the GE counter depth refrigerator allow you to set specific temperatures for those zones. With the touch of a button, you can change the drawer settings from deli to cheese to beverages. The beverages setting maintains a perfect wine chilling temperature for those who love wine, but not enough to purchase a separate wine fridge.

Another thing we cannot ignore in this review is that the GE Profile is compatible with Amazon Alexa. This means that you can adjust the settings with the simple sound of your voice or, even, from a distance. You only have to be connected to the Alexa app to make use of this function.

​You can select a particular type of food or beverage temperature setting for the smart drawers inside this fridge.

You can make coffee in the door of this refrigerator! Additionally, you can also retrieve water and ice from the door panel.

Includes highly adjustable and customizable shelves and hanging basket shelves for incredible versatility.

Cons:

​Capacity is slightly lesser than other counter depths

6. Samsung RH22H9010SG- Best Side by Side Counter Depth Refrigerator

Samsung RH229010SG is the counter depth fridge I landed on after reviewing chunk of side by side refrigerators. I have only added one counter depths in side-by-side as there aren’t much of them offering significant features. This black counter depth refrigerator could has a chunk of awesome features.

The bottom line is- RH229010SG has almost all of the useful and essential features one would look for. Capacity is around 22 cubic feet slightly less to what other brands are offering. But they fixed this by ​ice-maker integration in the door, that will save your freezer space.

Exterior is fingerprint resistant to the stainless steel door. Also, the ice dispenser and water filter are integrated externally for easy accessibility. The dispenser has lights, and the fridge has a door alarm (if you left fridge or freezer door open).

Interior has three crisper drawers for ensuring fresh (and organized) fruits and vegetables. Led lighting is smartly embedded for brightening the interior. This counter depth fridge has power freeze options and metal-made door-in-door for maintaining long-term cooling. I loved the twin cooling feature which helps keep the proper temperature and food-taste. This side by side fridge is getting a good response in the appliance marketplace and is already on the top of best side by side counter depth refrigerators list.

Alternatively, you can consider Whirlpool WRS973CIDM as your new side-by-side counter depth refrigerator. This 36” unit does good cooling and is said to be reliable. Most of the issues I heard about this model are design related i.e. flimsy and short shelves. Also, there is low (but noticeable) noise from ice maker. If you are looking for a machine that last long and have good budget, this could be a good unit. Nevertheless, if that’s not the case, you can checkout Whirlpool WRS571CIDB or Whirlpool WRS571CIHZ with 30% lesser price and similar features.

Getting back to Samsung RH22H9010SG, it’s a feature-loaded refrigerator with an elegant look that could be a good fit for your stylish kitchen.

KitchenAid is one of my most recommended and best counter depth refrigerator brands after Sub-zero and Amana. KRFC300ESS is an excellent counter depth model with a capacity of 20 cubic feet (not too bad, but not too good either). Perhaps, you won’t regret buying this refrigerator, if you aren’t looking for a lot of advance feature.

KRFC300ESS Refrigerator interior is space-efficient with four half-width adjustable shelves and removable metal wine rack, which you could alternatively use for 2-litre storage purpose. This KitchenAid refrigerator has an EXTENDFRESH temperature management system that uses sensors to ensure the food remains fresh and the taste isn’t compromised.

Produce preserver makes sure that the fruits remain fresh in humidity-controlled crisper trays. It looks for certain vegetables and fruits releasing ethylene gas that could speed up the ripening process.

Kitchenaid KRFC300ESS is energy star rated and has a temperature controlled drawer with manual adjustment options for storing deli items. The freezer section has upper and lower wire baskets designed with proper space configuration for secure storage. Check this page to read a more in-depth user review for this refrigerator.

8. LG LMXC23746D Black Diamond Series - With a CustomChill Drawer and Freshness Control

​Arguably the most interesting thing about this french door counter-deep fridge is its overall design. This LG LMX23746D refrigerator has a French-door style refrigeration system on top, a full-width freezer on the bottom, and a special CustomChill-drawer in the middle.

​What is a CustomChill drawer, anyway? It’s a special drawer that allows you to set it to a different temperature than the rest of the fridge for those special items (like white wine or particular fruits and vegetables) that need to be at a different cooling temperature than the rest of your food. You can even select this special temperature by pushing buttons with icons that correspond to specific foods, like fruits, meats, and wine.

To make things even better, this Counter depth french door refrigerator comes with LG's special freshness control. This cool system uses digital sensors to track things like temperature and humidity levels in your entire fridge, instead of simply tracking the temperature level in one location, like most others.

The control panel allows you to adjust more than just whether or not the dispenser is spitting out ice or water. It includes buttons which allow you to control the type of ice you receive, the temperatures of the fridge and the freezer, the light, the door alarm and much more. What's that? There's a door alarm? One of the most unique features of LG appliances is their special alarm system. If you leave the door open for too long, the fridge will let you know. Not only is this great if you accidentally forget to close it, it’s also a wonderful way to remind your kids not to "camp in front of the fridge."

Comparable to the GE Profile in many ways, Kenmore 75043 Smart refrigerator is worth the attention of any serious appliance lover and is one of the biggest counter depth refrigerator in our list.

If you are looking for top quality, and a fridge with exceptional qualities, Kenmore's counter depth french door bottom refrigerator would be your ideal match.

We were most impressed with its ability to connect to Amazon Alexa. This connection will allow you to control your fridge's settings with simple voice commands in your home. Just tell Alexa what you want it to do through your separate wireless speaker system and it will set your fridge as you like. Alternatively, you can access the Alexa app from your cell phone to change the settings when you're not home. This is especially helpful when you want to send your fridge temperature down so that it already prepared to super chill food when you bring it home from the grocery store.

If you don't have Alexa or just don't want to use it for your refrigerator you can change the settings by utilizing the small smart bar located on the lip of the main fridge inside the doors. From there, you can change the temperature inside the fridge and freezer, turn interior lights on and off, turn the ice maker on and off, and activate (or deactivate) the door alarm.

Another thing we absolutely love about this fridge that we feel sets it apart from the others is its aesthetic design. Brushed stainless steel is quickly becoming the norm in the world of appliances and Kenmore certainly jumped on board that train when creating this fridge. What makes it more appealing than others, though, are the interesting handles. Their long, sweeping, curved lines and thick stature are both elegant and bold.

Since you have to open the doors to adjust the settings without the Alexa app you may actually do more harm than good by releasing the cold air and requiring your fridge to run longer.

10. Fisher Paykel RF135BDLX4- Best Quality counter depth refrigerator

Fisher and Paykel is one of the oldest and reliable brands for buying a counter refrigerator. RF135BDLX4 is a ​bottom-freezer-configuration counter depth refrigerator. Out of the 8 refrigerators I added in this list, Paykel was the one that provided all of the three features- Noise-free environment, clean stainless steel design and easy temperature management.

Both the refrigerator and freezer part are well-designed. RF135BDLX4 is equipped with a solid humidity controlling system and smart LED lights. Glass shelves are sturdy enough. I have always seen unique features in Fisher and Paykel fridges. You can go for this refrigerator if you have limited space and/or limited budget.

Most Reliable Refrigerator brands 2018

Refrigerators are designed to provide higher threshold, i.e. withstand for longer duration. Some of the manufacturers offer more reliable machines than other. After the luxury end models like Sub-Zero, these are the top brands based on my personal experience.

Whirlpool (or Amana, Maytag, KitchenAid)

Kenmore

Frigidaire (or Electrolux)

GE

Samsung and LG

Buying Tips: Choosing the Qualities and Features You Want and Need in Your New Counter-Deep Fridge

​Selecting your new counter-depth fridge isn't as simple as just pointing at ANY counter-depth fridge and clicking "buy now." There's a lot to consider that goes beyond the basic depth of the unit.

​Quick tips for improving your refrigerator's performance-

Make sure to keep your refrigerator coils clean. Dirt of coils affects the fridge performance and reduce the lifeline.

​Always and always use Surge Protection for refrigerators. Most of the technical problems arise due to voltage fluctuations.

You wouldn't buy clothes simply because they were your size, would you? Of course not! You'd consider the material, the time of year, the occasions you'd wear them for, and your personal style. When it comes to refrigerators, things like budget, overall size, layout, style, and additional features are all important factors.

Know Your Best Measurements for a Counter-Depth Refrigerator-

You may think the first thing we'd tell you to consider would be your budget. In most cases, budget IS the first and most important consideration, but I've got news for you: Not all budgets work in all situations.

Before you can even consider what type of budget or special features you want in your new shallow fridge you need to consider the measurements of the space in which it will fit. This will help you know your counter depth refrigerator dimensions.

You already know that you need a fridge between 25 and 30 inches in total depth (not including the handles, of course). The question now becomes, how tall and how wide?

Typically speaking, you'll want to measure the area between the two cupboards or walls on either side of where the fridge will sit as well as the space between the floor and the upper cabinet (if there is one). It's always good to leave a one-inch gap on either side of your refrigerator (including the top) in order to all for proper ventilation.

Be Budget Conscious

Now that you have your measurements in mind you can really begin to narrow down the possible selection. However, before you go out looking at all the fancy (and not-so-fancy) fridges in stores and on the internet you will need to consider your maximum budget.

Appliance and electronics are one area of the market where prices fluctuate drastically. A refrigerator of one size made by a particular company with a particular setup and set of features may be one price while a fridge of the exact same size made by a different company with a different set of features may be a few hundred or even $1000 more expensive.

You need to know how much you are willing to spend before you go out and get wooed by things like automatic ice dispensers, smart controls, built-in televisions and side-by-side fridge-freezer combination units.

Whether budget is of concern or not, try to stay on the lookout for sales. In the world of appliances and electronics sales aren't just a matter of a few dollars. In fact, a refrigerator sale can knock hundreds of dollars off the original listing price.

What Type of Set-Up Do do You want?

​Do you like a side-by-side fridge-freezer combination or are you more of a top fridge, bottom freezer kind of person? Maybe you prefer an old-school refrigerator with a freezer on top. Perhaps you are one of those people who like to keep your freezer completely separate and prefer a full top-to-bottom refrigerator to house all of your fresh fruits and vegetables.

Which one of these sounds like you? Take note of your preference, and then figure out if you are able to score the type of fridge you want at a price you can afford and within your specific dimensions. The important thing to remember is that counter-depth fridges are only recently becoming popular, so there aren't very many on the market. It's always good to have a backup option in case you aren't able to find what you need.

You're lucky because we were able to track down at least one of every option for this list. Though all measure less than 31 inches in depth, they are a variety of widths and heights, so remember to keep that in mind as well.

Something else to consider when it comes to set up is your own ability to bend low or to see the top shelves. Some of us are very short and others have bad backs. Consider any of these factors as well as the frequency with which you venture into your counter depth fridge and freezer when making your decision.

Ultimately, there is no major difference among the many fridge-freezer combination units aside from the shape and location of the storage areas. For example, a French door refrigerator-freezer combination (also known as a side-by-side fridge-freezer) makes it easier to view the food items in fridge and freezer. But, this option also means that both sides are slim and makes it difficult for you to place large items inside (just try squeezing a left-over pizza box inside, I dare you!) A French-door full fridge or a French-door fridge with a freezer on the top or bottom allows you the same amount of space as a typical refrigerator without the pesky annoyance of a large door swinging out into your kitchen.

Let's Talk Special Features

Everyone could use a little extra luxury in their lives, and we're certain you're no different. Luckily, many newer refrigerator models come with these extras at a reasonably low price. In fact, things like pull-out shelves are quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception.

Some upgrades, however, often affect the price (even if just a little bit), so it's important to consider what you would like in relation to your financial position. Some of the higher-level options, like built-in smart televisions and scheduling systems, can put a strain on even the most generous budgets.

Other upgrades require special attention from your electrical or plumbing systems. For example, many fridges (regular-sized or counter-depth) with built-in ice makers require access to running water. These models are made to create the ice on-demand without inconveniencing you by requiring you to continually fill a water reservoir.

Conclusion

Refrigerators come in many shapes and sizes. From tall to short; wide to slim. They also come in many styles: side-by-side, French doors, all-fridge, top freezer, bottom freezer, and more. Even within this refrigeration world of diversity, what unites you and everyone else visiting this page is a need for a counter-depth fridge. Whether you want it because your kitchen is slim or simply because you prefer the look of a kitchen with clean lines, we’ve laid out many great options for you here.

My purpose for creating this site is to help users to find and select the right refrigerator. I’m an appliance expert (had my own appliance store a while ago). I have so far reviewed best performing small refrigerators, counter fridges, wine coolers and other appliances. I hope my content helped you make a decision. Feel free to get in touch via contact form if you are facing problem in finding the right fridge for you.